South Australia is leading the nation in providing the first health care facility to become fully powered by electricity, according to the state government.

As the only fully electric health service in the country, the Kangaroo Island Health Service is leading the way with South Australia’s healthcare services adopting measures raised in the new SA Health Climate Change Framework.

The Framework informs the public healthcare system how it can be environmentally sustainable, low carbon and climate-resilient while maintaining high-quality healthcare by making simple changes like transitioning to LED lighting and using specimen bags made from 100 per cent recycled plastic.

The gas phase-out led by the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network and for it to use electricity not only reduces impact on the environment but is also more cost effective for the hospital.  

This has been achieved by replacing all previously gas-powered assets and infrastructure, including hot water systems, cooking appliances, steam generator boilers and gas heaters.

The success of this initiative is now guiding similar efforts across ten health sites in the region, including the new Mount Barker Hospital, which will be built gas-free.

SA Health is responsible for approximately 30 per cent of the state government’s operational emissions, with healthcare nationally estimated to contribute to five per cent of Australia’s total carbon emissions.

The Framework outlines four SA Health goals for responding to climate change and discusses the efforts undertaken to achieve its goals across eight priority action areas. 

Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier says climate change is the greatest threat to global health and is already impacting on the health of South Australians.

“The SA Health Climate Framework lays the foundation for a net-zero emissions, climate-resilient health system that can anticipate, respond to and recover from climate-related challenges while improving the overall health of our population. 

“It paves the way for even greater achievements in emissions reduction across the years ahead, which will be to the benefit of all South Australians.

“Adaptation is about protecting the health of South Australians, where climate change is already causing extreme heat, bushfires, flooding, and exacerbating health inequities. 

“As well as reviewing and addressing climate risks to our healthcare infrastructure and services, the Framework outlines the need to work with key public health partners and local community to enhance preparedness across the state.”